Cornell veterinarians quarantine hospital after confirming two equine herpes virus cases

Ithaca, N.Y.

— Cornell has voluntarily quarantined the equine hospital at its College of Veterinary Medicine after confirming two cases of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1).

In a joint statement with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell says it is investigating two confirmed cases of EHV-1, both in patients of the hospital. Nearly 70 other horses at the hospital at the time were potentially exposed, says Cornell. No other horses have shown symptoms to date, says New York State Veterinarian Dr. David Smith.

One of the horses confirmed to have EHV-1 was a 1-day-old foal admitted to Cornell’s equine hospital March 18. The foal died two days later of pneumonia, according to Cornell, but test results obtained March 25 revealed the presence of EHV-1. At the same time, a gelding was being treated at the hospital for a spinal injury. It was discharged March 22, says Cornell, but became ill and showed neurological symptoms at its home farm. The gelding tested positive for EHV-1 March 30 and is now recovering.

The gelding’s home farm also is included in the voluntary quarantine, according to Cornell.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is working to identify the source of the infection, and may isolate potentially exposed horses. Cornell’s equine hospital in the meantime has stopped all movement of animals between the equine barns and other university facilities. The quarantine was due to remain in effect until April 11.